Peregrine chicks on UC Berkeley Campanile about to take flight

This Fourth of July, fireworks might not be Berkeley’s only skyline attraction. Two peregrine falcon chicks – the first to be born on UC Berkeley’s Campanile – are expected to take their first flight off the 307-foot bell tower between July 2 and July 9.

Both peregrine chicks are now banded. They are expected to fledge on about July 4. Photo: Mary Malec

For peregrine chicks, flying is natural, she says, but they need experience to learn how to land. Malec is organizing a group of volunteers to be on “fledgewatch” throughout the week the chicks are likely to start flying.

UC Berkeley News spoke to Malec about fledging and what campus onlookers can do if they come across a fledgling on the ground. Read the full interview on Berkeleyside.com.